Yobe Govt Vows Prosecute Violence Against Healthcare Workers
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Governor Mai Mala Buni
The Yobe State Government has issued a strong condemnation of the alarming rise in assaults, threats, and harassment targeting healthcare professionals across the state.
The condemnation was made by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, during a press briefing in Damaturu.
The Commissioner said the increasingly disturbing physical attacks, verbal abuse, intimidation, and service disruptions by patients and their relatives within hospital premises will no longer be tolerated.
Dr. Gana described healthcare workers—including doctors, nurses, and midwives—as the “backbone” of the state’s health system, serving under extremely challenging conditions with limited resources and intense pressure.
“While we acknowledge that incidents often occur during moments of grief or high emotion, violence is never a solution,” Dr. Gana said.
“Such actions worsen outcomes for everyone involved—patients, families, and health workers alike.”
He warned that severe consequences of violence against health professionals include compromise of the quality of care, exacerbating staff burnout and emotional distress, workforce shortages through absenteeism and resignation, and service disruptions, particularly in rural areas.
The Commissioner, therefore declared that henceforth, all acts of violence against health personnel are unacceptable and should be reported instantly for proper investigation and prosecution in line with the law.
To strengthen protections, he said the Ministry of Health will collaborate closely with security agencies, facility managers, and community leaders.
The Commissioner said government would intensify public sensitization on patient rights and responsibilities and directed health facilities to document and escalate all incidents promptly.
Dr. Gana called on community, religious, and traditional leaders to help educate the public on engaging peacefully with healthcare providers.
He said, “Patients and caregivers are urged to channel complaints through official hospital and government mechanisms rather than resorting to violence.”
He enlisted the media to support advocacy for peaceful coexistence in health facilities as the state moves to safeguard its healthcare workforce and ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
